Everlasting

②⑥

Everly's POV
I'm in my bedroom doing homework. The bedroom door knocks.

"Come in." I say.

Mom opens the door and walks in.

"Hey Ev." She smiles.

"Hi." I say.

"What are you doing shut away in here?" Mom asks, sitting on my bed.

"I just needed to have some quiet to get this done." I murmur.

"Oh, honey. I know this move has been a big change and I am so proud of you for adjusting as quickly as you have." Mom kisses my hair.

"Thanks." I say.

"Are you struggling to find some space for yourself?" Mom asks and I nod.

"I love that we all moved here, mom. I really do! It's just... I'm finding it a little tricky... to be, you know, on my own." I explain.

"I get it, baby. It's taking me a bit longer to get used to the fact that there's people in every room I go into." Mom says and I laugh.

"I kinda love it though." I smile.

"Me too." Mom smiles. "Do you want to talk about anything?"

"No, I'm okay." I smile.

"Do you need anything?" Mom asks.

"Some ice cream wouldn't hurt." I grin.

"I will bring that to you." Mom winks and walks out.

A few minutes later she walks back in with Maisy on her hip and my ice cream.

"Chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream." Mom hands me the small tub.

"Thank you." I say, taking it with the spoon.

"I bought this one up here with me so she can have a nap." Mom says, bouncing Maisy on her hip.

"Hi Maisy." I wave.

"Ev!" Maisy babbles.

"Oh my god!" Mom screams.

"Did she just-" I gasp.

"Say your name for the first time?! Yes!" Mom smiles.

"Ev!" Maisy repeats, making grabby hands for me.

"Oh, hi! I love you!" I cuddle her.

"Michael!" Mom yells.

Dad runs into the bedroom.

"What? What?! Are you okay?" Dad asks quickly.

"Ev! Ev!" Maisy squeals.

"No way! Her second word!" Dad smiles excitedly.

"And it's my name, dad! She's saying my name!" I smile, tickling Maisy.

"Ev!" She giggles loudly.

"I think this means the house is going to get a whole lot noisier." Mom smiles.

Timeskip

I'm watching the Inside Out 2 movie with Jake and Teagal in the basement.

"Anger is definitely my favourite character." Jake says.

"I like the green one." Teagal says.

"I think Anxiety is pretty cute." I say.

"That's what mom has." Teagal says confused.

"It is, yeah, but in the movie, Anxiety is the little orange character." I point to the screen.

"Ohhh." Teagal nods.